Each and every day the environment, carbon reductions, and leaving a smaller footprint on the world becomes increasingly political. The CBC has noted the trend of corporations in Canada actively developing plans and spending money to become more "green".

If this trend is to have staying power corporate Canada must make a real long-term commitment by adequately funding and supporting environmental friendly business practices. Which must include the executive suite, otherwise all the money being invested could be lost.

Whether it's altruism tied to a deep concern for the environment or simply a matter of dollars and cents, Canadian companies are increasingly going green and aren't shy about publicizing it.

In the last week alone, a Canadian bank, a national car repair company, and a consulting firm all unveiled new environmental policies. At the International Air Transport Association's annual conference in Vancouver, the world's airlines mused about cutting all emissions by 2050.

The Toronto Dominion Bank claims to be the only Canadian bank to have developed an official policy to measure, report on and lessen its environmental impacts. Via CBC

Will the executive suite incorporate environmentally friendly travel alternatives? Or will they simply opt to buy carbon credits? The former requires a change to ones plans and preferences.

All you need to do is ask a few probing questions and your customers will help you understand their needs and then you might be will be able to see new opportunities.

Instead of spending a lot of time waiting for a great business idea to suddenly materialize, get out in the world and ask questions. "If you look at things with a quizzical approach, you're going to uncover a lot of opportunities. A lot of times the answers you come up with are going to be wrong, but if you keep asking questions, eventually you'll hit on the little thing that's not quite right, and go from there." Via How A Student Made Three Million Dollars With A Free CliffNotes Website

You might be making the biggest marketing mistake - thinking your customers are just like you.

"Knowing exactly what your market really wants as a result of doing business with you is so fundamentally important that when you get this wrong, the problems created trickle down to every other area of your business." Page 66, of Tips and Traps For Writing an Effective Business Plan (Tips & traps)

The eBay business model continues to amaze me. Anything goes and when I looked at ebay canada business, I was amazed at the stuff you can buy including Toner Cartridges, Commercial Kitchen Equipment, and yes even a business can be sold via eBay.

...how about buying a business on eBay instead? Recently, 10 internet companies have sought buyers through eBay, including SynapseLife, an online calendar and organizational site that sold for $60,000. If you're looking to sell your business, keep in mind that not all potential buyers are comfortable making a deal through eBay. Via Business Opportunities Weblog

When I looked at Office Furniture I found Computer Furniture, Cubicles & Systems Furniture, Desks & Tables, Filing Cabinets, Office Chairs & Stools and many others. Check out the Business section on eBay Canada.

Ben Yoskovitz asks the question Should You Raise Venture Capital For Your Startup?

In his article he discusses the differences in the need for capital between a Lifestyle business, Web 2.0, Work at home, Age of the Entrepreneur, and Going Big businesses.

You really check out Ben's blog and read this article as Ben just raised $1.5 million for his new startup. Congratulations Ben. Good luck in your new venture.

This is an important question for many startups. Whether you raise money or not depends on a number of factors, including the type of business you're starting. Some will require more traditional loans, others are perfectly suited to being bootstrapped. Via Should You Raise Venture Capital For Your Startup?

On my web site I have numerous articles on business loans and financing including:

• Applying for a Commercial Business Loan, New Business Loan
• How Can I Convince A Bank Or VC To Invest In My Company?
• Who Needs Money to Start a Business? Got $8,000?
• Accessing Retirement Funds to Start or Buy a Business
• Business Loans
• Flipping Your Startup 101

A common strategy for many startups is to reduce fixed cost expenses by sharing space with another business. Genuine VC states:

I am of the opinion that there is real value in the "hallway effect" of sharing ideas, experiences, and frustrations with others embarking on similar (but separate) endeavors.I am of the opinion that there is real value in the "hallway effect" of sharing ideas, experiences, and frustrations with others embarking on similar (but separate) endeavors. Via Sharing Space and More

Having someone to share the frustrations and experiences of starting a business grounds an entrepreneur because what they are experiencing is not unusual. It provides a sense of comradeship, belonging, and security.

This Self-Study program is a Manager's Guide to successful Leadership.

If you have several years of management experience then look upon this course as a refresher and an opportunity to explore and analyze your current style.

If you are new to a supervisory or management role then this course is an invaluable tool which will help you face and tackle a multitude of situations and issues.

The course takes you through some of the following modules:

• Motivation and Morale
• Associate development
• Leadership and Teamwork
• Effective Delegation
• Conflict handling
• Time and stress management

Upon completion of this course with an average of 70% or more, you will receive a "Certificate of Achievement".

The anticipated time for completing the course is 24- weeks. Upon completion of this course with an average of 70% or more, you will receive a Dun & Bradstreet Certificate of Completion.